Novel

The Rise of a Hegemon

Chapter 30: A Three Million Hong Kong Dollar Check

“Xiao Hao, how long has it been since we sat side by side like this, chatting and quietly watching this vast ocean?” Second Sister turned her head slightly, asking with a hint of nostalgia and emotion in her eyes.

“Let me think... hmm, it should have been about seven or eight years,” Lin Haoran replied with certainty after a moment of contemplation.

His gaze drifted into the distance as well, as if traveling back to those carefree days of enjoying the seascape together.

There were indeed many such scenes in his memory: the seaside under the setting sun, the long shadows of Lin Haoran and his two sisters, the gentle sea breeze carrying the salty scent of seawater, and the pure laughter and heartfelt conversations.

However, those were things from a long, long time ago. Mentioning them again now inevitably stirred a sense of nostalgia in his heart.

“Yes, in the blink of an eye, seven or eight years have passed. I have transformed from a green girl into someone else's wife and someone else's mother, but the only thing that remains unchanged is the deep familial bond between us siblings, right?” Second Sister remarked with profound emotion.

“Of course, Second Sister. I know you love me most,” Lin Haoran responded with a smile.

“Xiao Hao, I know you are currently facing the challenge of competing with Big Brother for the inheritance of the Wan'an Group. Big Brother has extensive experience, which puts you at a disadvantage.

I heard Mommy tell me over the phone that the turnover of your cement plant has been declining. But what I want to emphasize is that although I cannot help you much, no matter the outcome of the competition, you must not become pessimistic.

Your youth might seem like a disadvantage right now because it makes you appear inexperienced; however, that very youth is also your most precious asset, for it represents infinite possibilities and a future.

Remember, even if you fail, it is merely one attempt on the road to success. It does not define your entirety. Even if you fail, I will do everything in my power to help you build your own business.”

Lin Haoran finally understood Second Sister's true intention for seeking him out.

Perhaps, after returning to the Hong Kong urban area from the Huafeng Cement Plant, he had neglected the affairs there. In his mother's eyes, such behavior might have been interpreted as a form of passive escapism after realizing his hopes of inheriting the Wan'an Group were slim.

This worry and speculation had inadvertently reached Second Sister through his mother, ultimately touching her heartstrings.

In his memory, from childhood to adulthood, Second Sister had always been the one who loved and understood him most.

Therefore, she had returned to her parental home without hesitation, simply to see her younger brother with her own eyes, to personally understand the doubts in her heart, and to offer encouragement and support.

Had it been the old Lin Haoran, he might have opened his heart before her gentle words and poured out his inner frustrations.

But the current Lin Haoran was no longer the man of the past; he had undergone a transformation and was no longer the original Lin Haoran.

He was naturally grateful for her concern and consolation, but he did not intend to say much.

He knew his own affairs better than anyone.

Thus, while her words were warm and touching, he would not take them too heavily to heart.

“Second Sister, you can rest easy. I have never lost confidence in the future!” Lin Haoran replied with a smile.

Seeing this, a flash of surprise crossed Second Sister's eyes. She keenly sensed that the confidence Lin Haoran displayed was not merely a deliberate attempt to comfort her, but a genuine self-assurance erupting from the depths of his soul.

“I am truly relieved to see you have such a mindset. Take this money, but remember, you must keep it a secret. Do not let anyone know, including Daddy, Mommy, and your brother-in-law,” Second Sister said. She then slowly pulled a check from her inner pocket and gently handed it to Lin Haoran.

Lin Haoran took the check, and his eyes were instantly drawn to the figure written on it. It was a check for three million Hong Kong dollars!

This number struck him like a bolt of lightning, sending ripples through his heart.

He looked up at Second Sister, his eyes filled with both surprise and gratitude. In this moment, he felt her affection for him even more deeply.

Despite the fact that he currently controlled wealth of eighty million, that was all borrowed.

Three million Hong Kong dollars was already a significant sum in this era.

“Second Sister, where did you get this money? I can't take it, and I'm not short on cash. Take it back!” Lin Haoran instinctively tried to push the money back into her hand, his expression serious.

“Xiao Hao, this is actually some private savings I had before marriage. Back then, I had a bit of an eye for investment and bought two villas. Over the years, their value has doubled or even tripled. I know you are short on money right now, so I decided privately to sell the villas. I never mentioned this to your brother-in-law, so you can accept it with complete peace of mind. Although I cannot solve all your problems directly, I always hope to contribute something to your future, hoping that you will achieve great things later on.” Having said this, Second Sister gently but firmly pushed the check back into Lin Haoran's hand.

Looking at her determined attitude, Lin Haoran's heart was deeply moved.

He felt incredibly blessed to have such a selfless and loving sister.

In his previous life, he had never experienced this kind of sibling bond; he hadn't expected to truly experience it after his reincarnation.

Ultimately, Lin Haoran did not decline any further. He solemnly accepted the three-million-dollar check with both hands.

Because he knew this was not just a check, but a manifestation of his sister's deep care for him.

To refuse would likely be to disregard her painstaking efforts and would make her feel sad.

Furthermore, he knew that Second Sister lived very happily in the Zhu family. Her husband doted on her, and as a wealthy family, the Zhus had no financial worries.

“Second Sister, I will keep your kindness in my heart. I will definitely work hard to achieve success in the future and live up to your expectations!” Lin Haoran flashed a brilliant smile.

“Xiao Hao, I never worry about Big Brother. As for you, my greatest wish is to see you succeed and be able to live the life you want. As long as you are doing well, I will be content,” Second Sister said softly, her gaze fixed on him.

The azure waters of Deep Water Bay shimmered, reflecting the blue of the distant sky, creating a tranquil and profound atmosphere.

The cool sea breeze drifted by, not only carrying away the summer heat but also blowing over the two siblings, as if purifying their very souls.

Even among relatives, everyone appears particularly fragile in the face of sufficient interest—just like his biological elder brother.

He knew well that whoever was good to him, he would naturally be good to in the future, and he knew exactly who was not.

(End of Chapter)